Today is Friday, July 25, and here is what's happening in Southern California politics:

Headlines

Mayor Eric Garcetti says his top priority as chair of Metro is reducing traffic congestion, according to the Daily News. "All our priorities have to be in reducing traffic. Traffic keeps us from our loved ones and costs us billions of dollars in productivity. Traffic doesn’t care about borders," the mayor said.

Metro board members selected Skanska USA to build the Metro Purple Line extension, even though another construction firm said it could do the project for less money, according to the Los Angeles Times. "I'm having a hard time leaving $192 million on the table. This process is extremely flawed," said Supervisor Don Knabe, who sits on the board.

Mayor Eric Garcetti also took to the YouTube airwaves Thursday to communicate directly with LAPD officers about a new contract. "The mayor had intended to visit roll call meetings with officers, but the Los Angeles Police Protective League said that amounted to an unfair labor practice. The union signaled it would file a complaint," reports KPCC.

Which Way, LA? looks at the influx of out-of-staters entering the University of California system.

Someone flew a drone and a camera over downtown and captured the city's architectural beauty. Curbed LA

Previously in Represent!

Represent! is your eye on how well government serves citizens and the public interest in Southern California. KPCC's politics and government team posts frequently on transparency, civic engagement, reform efforts and accountability. We invite your comments and suggestions — follow us on Twitter at the links below.